Dublin archbishop says social deprivation in capital is being exploited by 'malign actors'

"Dr Dermot Farrell says he welcomes 'signs of a new urgency in public policy', but politicians must be 'bolder' in addressing issues"

"Dublin's inner city is "scarred" by the "very obvious presence" of those for whom "there is no room at our inn", Archbishop Dermot Farrell has said."

"The leader of the Catholic Church in the capital warned that deprivation accumulated over generations has led to "demoralisation and dysfunction" that is "easily exploited by malign actors" in the drugs trade or those "intent on stirring up communal division and hatred"."

Dublin's inner city is scarred by the very obvious presence of people for whom there is no room at the inn. Deprivation accumulated over generations has produced demoralisation and dysfunction across communities. Those conditions are easily exploited by malign actors involved in the drugs trade and by individuals intent on stirring up communal division and hatred. There are signs of a new urgency in public policy, but political leadership needs to adopt bolder, systemic measures to tackle homelessness, poverty, addiction, and social exclusion and to rebuild community resilience.

Read at Independent